Shares digital

Insurance broker and health care services provider Jelf (JLF:AIM) bagged an impressive £45 million to fund its busy acquisition programme, pay off some debt and improve infrastructure. About £20 million is being raised by placing some nine million shares at 212.5p with new and existing... READ MORE >>

Only a couple of weeks after stating that earnings for 2007 were expected to be in line with forecasts, Chromogenex (CGX:AIM) has issued a profit warning, following registration issues with some of its products in Canada. The shares fell 33% to 3.3p after the tiddler said it is now... READ MORE >>

Vocational training provider Melorio (MLO:AIM) is to launch a business aimed at teaching logistic industry workers. Chairman Adrian Carey says it is a ‘natural extension’ to Melorio’s focus on construction, where it trains staff for corporates including Laing... READ MORE >>

Two thirds of the world population could suffer water shortages and pollution by 2025, according to the World Bank, which highlights the hugely growing market for treatment technology. Some £30 billion a year is spent globally on water treatment, filtration and de-salination plants but... READ MORE >>

The South African energy crisis which brought mining operations to a halt looks set to rumble on in the short term according to those in the industry who are facing production cuts. Miners had to stop production last weekend as state energy group Eskom cut power to industrial customers amid... READ MORE >>

The Super Bowl might not be of much interest to UK sports fans but if history is any guide investors would do well to take note, as it has proved a barometer to gauge what the next movements of the US and global stock markets will be. This year’s contest, on Sunday 3 February,... READ MORE >>

Sales might not be going to plan at Woolworths (WLW) but a jewel in the company’s otherwise tarnished crown could be set to give the shares a massive boost. Speculation is mounting that it may sell 2 entertain, its 40/60 joint venture with the BBC, which analysts believe could be... READ MORE >>

West African explorer Afren (AFR) has agreed a deal with German energy giant E.ON with a view to eventually building an LNG plant in... READ MORE >>

Another trading update, another profit alert and another all-time low in Vividas’ (VDS:AIM) shares, which reached 19.5p after chief executive Paul Neville warned demand for its video streaming technology has been slower than hoped. The latest setback comes barely a month after the... READ MORE >>

All Bar One-owner Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) has lost £274 million from a failed property venture. The chief executive’s resignation has been rejected but the finance director has left. It tried to set up a joint venture last August with property investor Robert Tchenguiz. It... READ MORE >>

Architectural firm Aukett Fitzroy Robinson (AUK:AIM) is planning a return to the Middle East, ceo Nicholas Thompson tells Shares. The firm was active in the region in the 80s, but left when cheaper services from elsewhere came to the region. Thompson points out that the oil-driven Middle... READ MORE >>

Investment banking minnow Shore Capital (SGR) is to launch two venture capital trusts (VCTs) to provide secured loans to small businesses. As high street banks tighten up their lending criteria following the credit crunch, Shore believes there’s a golden loan-making opportunity. VCTs... READ MORE >>

Retailer JJB Sports (JJB) is believed to be close to selling its 6 Soccer domes. These indoor 5-a-side facilities would fit neatly with either Powerleague (PWR:AIM) or Goals Soccer Centres (GOAL:AIM). This could generate a welcome influx of cash – probably over £20 million –... READ MORE >>

Continuing market volatility is benefiting the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and inter-deal broker ICAP (IAP) as traders rush to keep up with the latest price movements. Both institutions have provided their latest quarterly updates, with the LSE revealing average daily volumes on its SETS... READ MORE >>

Shares in CustomVis (CUS:AIM) were boosted 13% to 4.5p after an upbeat trading statement indicated it would meet sales targets for the second half of the year. The group has seen heightened interest from surgeons and distributors for its eye repair laser systems. Already this year, CustomVis... READ MORE >>